McDonnells showcase Virginia wines in California

SAN FRANCISCO – Governor Bob McDonnell welcomed top wine and travel journalists and industry leaders at a special event March 27 in San Francisco to promote Virginia’s wine, tourism and film industries. The event showcased 12 wines which medaled in the newly revamped Virginia Governor’s Cup Competition along with several Virginia wines and foods which are distributed in the San Francisco Bay area.  The event marked the first time the Virginia Governor’s Cup winning wines were featured outside of Virginia. 
 

“We were honored to bring these award-winning wines to the West Coast as part of our administration’s efforts to grow the Virginia wine industry, promote tourism, and encourage film and production in Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell.  “The growth of these industries is key to keeping Virginia’s economy strong and providing good, quality jobs for Virginians.”

 

The Virginia wineries featured at the San Francisco event were: Barboursville Vineyards, Bluestone Vineyard, Delfosse Vineyards & Winery, Glen Manor Vineyards, Jefferson Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, Potomac Point Winery, Tarara Winery, Trump Winery, Veritas Vineyard & Winery and White Hall Vineyards.  The event also featured Virginia foods, several of which are distributed in California, including cheeses from Everona Dairy and Meadow Creek Dairy, Royal Oak Peanuts, Olli Salumeria, Chesapeake Bay Packaging scallops, Ayrshire Farm beef, and hams from S. Wallace Edwards & Sons.

 

Raising the profile of Virginia wines and wine tourism are key components of the governor's economic development and jobs creation initiatives. The governor has promoted Virginia wines at the Virginia Executive Mansion and throughout Virginia, on other domestic business recruitment visits, and on international trade and marketing missions to India, Israel, and countries in Europe and Asia. First Lady Maureen McDonnell has also incorporated wine and wine tourism promotions into her First Lady Initiative Team Effort or FLITE.

 

“I admire Governor McDonnell's continuing commitment to promoting Virginia wine by doing so on the doorstep of California wine country,” said Bartholomew Broadbent, proprietor of Broadbent Selections, Inc., a global wine importer/distributor with operations in Virginia and California. “San Francisco has always been a very accepting, cosmopolitan wine market where wines from around the world earn their place in American hierarchy.”

 

Virginia is home to more than 200 wineries statewide and is fifth in the nation for wine grape production.  A newly released economic impact study shows that Virginia's burgeoning wine industry contributes almost three-quarters of a billion dollars - or $747 million - annually to Virginia's economy.  Virginia wineries and vineyards support 4,800 jobs that provide $156 million total in wages.

 

“Last night’s event and related meetings in California are important steps in the governor’s strategic initiative to make Virginia the premiere East Coast destination for wine and wine tourism,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. “In addition to work done already in key domestic markets such as Washington, DC, New York and Chicago, the time is right to look at San Francisco, one of the most influential wine centers in the United States, to expand the reach of the Virginia wine industry.”

 

Tourism is a key aspect of the Virginia wine industry, with more than 1.6 million visitors including a visit to a Virginia winery on a trip. Wine travel in Virginia has gained many recent accolades. Virginia was recently named one of the ten best wine travel destinations in the world for 2012 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.  Articles about wine travel in Virginia have also appeared recently in Southern Living, AAA World and USA Today.

 

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia.  In 2010 tourism generated $19 billion in revenue, supported 204,000 jobs and provided $1.2 billion in state and local taxes.  Virginia is eighth in the nation for domestic visitor spending.

 

The Virginia Film Office is part of the state’s tourism office and has had recent success luring major motion pictures to Virginia as a result investments by Governor McDonnell and the General Assembly for the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund.  The production of Steven Spielberg’s biopic Lincoln, which was filmed 100 percent in Virginia, had an estimated $35 million economic impact for Virginia.  The direct and indirect impact of Virginia's motion picture and video production industry in 2009 was $346 million, representing 2,700 jobs for the state.

 

Visit www.Virginia.org to learn more about wine travel and other destinations across the state or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers travel guide.  Visit www.VirginiaWine.org to get more information on Virginia wines including wineries, varietals and special events statewide. 

Gov. McDonnell elected chairman of Republican Governors Association

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was elected Chairman of the Republican Governors Association today at the group's quarterly meetings in Orlando, Florida. With today's vote the Governor will continue his service as head of the organization.

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey was elected to continue serving as RGA Vice-Chairman. Joining McDonnell and Christie on the RGA Executive Committee will be: Governor Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, Governor Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Governor Tom Corbett of Pennsylvania, Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina, and Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin. Additionally, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana was elected to serve as RGA Policy Chairman to lead the Republican Governors Public Policy Committee.

Speaking about the election, Governor McDonnell remarked, "I am honored to be elected by my peers to chair the Republican Governors Association in 2012. Our country is facing unprecedented economic and fiscal challenges that require bold leadership and innovative solutions.

"Unemployment is unacceptably high, too many of our citizens lack access to a good paying job and the American Dream, and for too long our leaders in Washington have over-promised, over-spent, and under-delivered.

"Republican governors across the country have been showing the way forward by balancing budgets by cutting spending, not raising taxes; reforming state governments to make them more efficient, effective and user-friendly to taxpayers; and focusing on private sector job creation to get our fellow citizens back to work and reignite the economic engine of America.

"Across the country these efforts are producing positive results, and I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next year to continue implementing good, fiscally responsible policy, and to working hard to build on the RGA's successes of 2009-2011 to add to the ranks of our 29 outstanding Republican governors."

From OpportunityVirginia.com

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Thanksgiving proclamation from Virginia's Gov. Bob McDonnell

THANKSGIVING DAY

WHEREAS,  the first permanent English speaking settlement in the New World was established in Virginia at Jamestown in 1607, as Captain John Smith led a group of settlers across the Atlantic on a voyage that would entail much hardship over the coming years, including disease and starvation; and

WHEREAS,  to show their appreciation for the colony’s success and to take stock and give thanks for their own gifts and blessings, and in spite of tremendous adversity, the settlers in Virginia found time to celebrate the first Thanksgiving in America at Berkeley Plantation on December 4, 1619; and

WHEREAS,  while reflecting upon the actions taken by the colonists at the first Thanksgiving, we also honor the Indian peoples, for without their presence, the survival of the colonists would have been ever more difficult; and

WHEREAS,  American leaders and citizens have recognized a day of Thanksgiving since our first president, George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789,  stating “it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor”; and

WHEREAS,  it is a Virginia tradition for our citizens to come together in unity on Thanksgiving Day and give thanks for the great level of serenity, harmony and abundance with which we, as citizens of a free nation, have been blessed; the rule of law by which we peaceably govern ourselves and by which our civil and religious liberties are guaranteed; and the brave servicemen and women of our armed forces who risk their lives to defend the freedoms and blessings we cherish;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize November 24, 2011 as THANKSGIVING DAYin our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and

FURTHERMORE,  I encourage all Virginians to give thanks to our Creator for our plentiful blessings, including the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as well as the unwavering strength of our families and communities.

Trump Vineyard Estates

 (Left to right)
Governor Bob McDonnell, First Lady Maureen McDonnell, Patricia Kluge, Donald Trump

The Donald was in town Tuesday ... Charlottesville, that is.

The grand opening of Trump Vineyard Estates took place in Albemarle County and featured Donald Trump himself along with his son, Eric, who will run the vineyard, former owner Patricia Kluge, and our own popular Governor Bob McDonnell who was accompanied by First Lady Maureen McDonnell..

The Trump family will be good neighbors for Virginians as they become part of the Commonwealth's growing wine industry, and the winery with its 2,000 acres of land will provide needed jobs for central Virginia.

Welcome to Virginia, Trump Vineyard Estates!

More photos from Tuesday's grand opening. Photos courtesy of Michaele White, Governor’s Photographer.

Video: Gov. Bob McDonnell on "Meet The Press"

In case you missed it, I wanted to make sure you saw Governor McDonnell’s appearance on Meet The Press yesterday morning, which focused on jobs and the economy, as well as the 2012 elections. 

You can click here to watch.

Please pass this along to friends, family and neighbors, and thank you very much for your continued support!

Sincerely,

Ed Gillespie

Bob McDonnell-Rick Perry headline RPV event

You are cordially invited to lunch with

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell

Chairman, Republican Governors Association

and

Texas Governor Rick Perry

Candidate for U.S. President

on

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

at the

Richmond Convention Center Grand Ballroom

Doors open at 12:15pm

Pre-Event Meet and Greet for Sponsors starts at 12:15pm

Lunch starts at 12:30pm

Richmond Convention Center

Grand Ballroom

400 North Third Street

Richmond, Virginia

Please RSVP

Texas Governor Rick Perry will be the keynote speaker at the Republican Party of Virginia's Grassroots Luncheon on Sept. 14, RPV Chairman Pat Mullins announced today.

"We're absolutely thrilled that Governor Perry will be with us for this event," Mullins said. "Governor Perry's record in Texas of lower taxes, limited government, and job growth looks familiar to anyone who pays attention to Virginia politics. Like our own Governor Bob McDonnell, Gov. Perry has balanced his state's budget by making prudent decisions, rather than treating taxpayers like an ATM."

Both Govs. Perry and McDonnell will speak at the event, scheduled for Sept. 14 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

"Virginia will be a key battleground state in 2012," Mullins said. "This event is a great opportunity for the grassroots - the people who make the Republican Party of Virginia work - to get to know one of frontrunners for our party's presidential nomination."


For more information, visit http://www.rpv.org/lunchwithperry

--From Republican Party of Virginia

Was Hurricane Irene over-hyped?

No sooner does a disaster pass than the finger pointing begins, and the aftermath of Hurricane Irene has been no different.

The blame game has begun by those suggesting that the media over-hyped the storm because New York City and other areas that had seen extensive preparation were not destroyed, as feared by forecasters and those tracking the storm.

We should all count our blessings that Irene didn't do more damage because, unfortunately, there was plenty of impact and tragedy for many. So why the "over-hype" accusations?

At last count, 40 people in eleven states had lost their lives including four in Virginia. Flooded homes have caught fire. Hundreds (thousands?) of homes were badly damaged. Up to half a dozen beloved covered bridges in Vermont were washed away by flood waters. Tornadoes caused major damage and destroyed at least one home in Sandbridge.

In the Richmond area, rain and wind caused thousands of trees to be blown down on houses and cars. Falling trees were responsible for deaths in North Carolina and Virginia. By Saturday evening 75% of residents in Richmond were without electricity but by Monday that figure had dropped to 60%. That's still a lot of folks without air conditioning and refrigeration but Dominion said 90-95% should be back online by Friday. At the hard-hit coastal area, many were also without power and had endured damaging flooding conditions.

Churches, civic groups, fire departments, the Red Cross, and others in Virginia are distributing free ice and bottled water to help residents make it through the next few days. Neighbors helping neighbors ... that's how it's done along the Eastern Seaboard.

Connecticut reported the highest number of people without electricity in the state's history. They estimate $282 million in damages.

Flooding has destroyed countless homes and buildings from North Carolina to Vermont. Storm surges crushed parts of the coast. Vermont continues to deal with devastating flash floods as rain from Irene helped rivers overflow their banks.

Governors up and down the East Coast braced and prepared for the storm. Skirting the Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina coasts, Irene slammed into North Carolina causing devastation along Hatteras, flooding NC 12 and breaking through the roadway in several places near Rodanthe causing deep gouges that will require extensive repairs.

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell stayed on top of the situation from the beginning, sending National Guard members and Sate Police to hardest-hit areas. In the aftermath, he has urged those who wish to help their neighbors to contribute to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund.

New Jersey estimates $2.1 billion in damages from the storm while New York is estimating $2 billion in damages. North Carolina could see up to $400 million in damages. Total damages could grow to billions of dollars in the eleven affected states.

Instead of blaming weather forecasters and the media for "over-hyping," we should consider ourselves lucky it wasn't worse because, for those affected, it was bad enough and in some cases life-altering. Stop the finger pointing and blame game. There's work to be done ... someone out there could use a helping hand.

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Hurricane Irene: The day after

The Shenandoah Valley weathered Hurricane Irene just fine with blustery winds and rain bands on Saturday. Today the sun is out, there's a refreshing breeze, and the thermometer stands at 74 degrees.

I've got to say thank you to the Richmond Times-Dispatch because right on schedule, at 5:55 this morning, the carrier popped it in our paper box even though a disclaimer on their front page suggested the hurricane could affect their delivery times. Nope ... no problem here. We're grateful for the information.

The front page is chocked full of hurricane coverage headlined with, "IRENE SLAMS VA."  with stories about the storm's affect throughout the hardest-hit areas including Richmond, Tri-Cities, and the Tidewater/beach area.

One million Virginians are without power this morning as Dominion Power and smaller electrical companies gear up for the time-consuming task of tree removal and repairing dangling power lines. Those who broke out generators may need to use them for days as they wait for crews to reach their areas.

After hammering North Carolina's Outer Banks, Irene moved into Virginia where the beach area caught the brunt of her damaging winds and rain. For updated information check the Times-Dispatch online and Pilot Online out of Norfolk.

I had an early-morning message from a Virginia Beach friend who was returning from a trip to points west  of here and passed through SWAC Land on his way to the coast. Here's hoping what he finds when he returns home isn't too bad....

I kept coverage going Saturday with updates as they became available. Today we begin clean-up.

Folks to our north are now dealing with Irene who was downgraded when she hit land in New York City. Now a tropical storm, she continues to pummel beach areas with high winds and waves but NYC may not have the devastating damage that was feared from a storm of that strength hitting an area with such a dense population. That has to be a relief to not only emergency officials but also to citizens who may have seen the extensive damage left behind in North Carolina and Virginia.

Sadly, there have been fatalities -- 10 at last count -- but it could have been so much worse without the prior notice and proper preparation that was possible with advanced weather forecasting.

A tragedy can make or break people. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell showed exemplary leadership skills in preparing for Irene, holding press conferences to brief media, General Assembly members, and others of plans in place, and working with emergency management leaders in the Commonwealth and beyond. Part discipline, part military training, part natural ... he showed true leadership during this natural disaster.

With the pull-yourself-up-by-the-bootstraps attitude of East Coasters, cleanup is already underway and neighbors will help neighbors. With the peak of hurricane season upon us, Virginians will remain vigilant.

Hurricane Irene: McDonnell orders closing of some state agencies Friday at 3 pm

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell (R) ordered the closing of state offices at 3:00 Friday afternoon in potential hurricane areas, challenging other employers to do the same so employees can prepare for Hurricane Irene.

The impacted areas include the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Chincoteague, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Poquoson and counties of Isle of Wight, Lancaster, York, Gloucester, Middlesex, Matthews, James City, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond, and Accomack.

Here is the press release from the Governor's office on Friday morning:

Governor Bob McDonnell has announced that state offices in areas that will feel the most significant impact from Hurricane Irene will close at 3 p.m. today, Aug. 26. The affected areas are the cities of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, Newport News, Suffolk, Chincoteague, Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Poquoson and counties of Isle of Wight, Lancaster, York, Gloucester, Middlesex, Matthews, James City, New Kent, Northampton, Northumberland, Richmond and Accomack.

“Citizens, including state employees, should be taking seriously the need to prepare for this significant storm and to ready their families, homes and communities for the possible evacuation and for the impacts of Hurricane Irene,” McDonnell said. “I am sending non-essential state employees home to prepare for the hurricane and to relieve congestion to aid in local evacuations, and I challenge other employers in those affected areas to release non-essential employees to enable them to prepare for Hurricane Irene as well.”

State employees in other areas of the state will not be released early, but are encouraged to watch the storm closely and prepare accordingly.

Updates will continue to be released from the Governor's office as the storm approaches.

Virginia posts $544 million surplus

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell announced that the Commonwealth has posted a $544.8 million surplus for fiscal year 2011.

The press release from the Governor's office included how the funds could be used:

RICHMOND – In his annual summer address to the Joint Money Committees of the General Assembly this morning, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that Virginia has posted a surplus of over half a billion dollars for FY 2011. The $544.8 million surplus follows the Commonwealth’s $403.3 million surplus for FY 2010. The FY 2011 surplus consists of the previously announced revenue surplus of $310.7 million along with $234.1 million in state agency savings and agency balances.

Speaking about the back to back surpluses, the Governor remarked, “These are extremely difficult economic times. At the national and international levels we face tremendous uncertainty and volatility. Here at home, Virginians are worried about their jobs, and watching their checkbooks and retirement accounts with concern. While we are all, to a great extent, captive to the same domestic and global economic trends, there are many areas that remain within our control. One of those is how we handle our annual state budgets. I am pleased to report today that, through bipartisan cooperation, we have ended the 2011 Fiscal Year with a surplus of over half a billion dollars. This is the second year in a row that we have posted a budget surplus. We have done this by budgeting conservatively, keeping taxes low, reforming how state government works, and investing wisely in core functions of government crucial to private sector job creation and economic development.”

The Governor continued, “Our fiscally responsible course has led to economic growth in the Commonwealth. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate has fallen over one full point since February 2010, and is the third-lowest rate east of the Mississippi. More Virginians are working and spending, and that can be seen in the revenue growth that is responsible for more than one-half of this surplus. At the same time, our efforts to reform state government and make it function more efficiently have also produced savings. We have brought in more revenue, and spent less, than anticipated. That’s how we have achieved this budget surplus, and I thank General Assembly members of both parties for their leadership and partnership in this effort.”

The Governor also used this morning’s remarks to detail the disbursement of the FY 2011 surplus, including his call for the creation of a Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund to help prepare the Commonwealth for future federal spending actions. He noted, “In uncertain times we must prudently prepare for the future. We will deposit another $132.7 million into the state’s Rainy Day Fund. And we will ask the General Assembly to create a “Federal Action Contingency Trust” Fund that will help increase our ability to handle the impact of likely future federal reductions. I am recommending that $30 million from the surplus be used to initiate this fund. While we do not know exactly how federal spending will be reduced, we all know it will and must be. I strongly support efforts to reverse the immoral and unsustainable pace of federal spending. At the same time, as Governor of Virginia, I want to take every step possible to ensure that no matter what occurs Virginia will be ready. This FACT Fund is the start of that effort, and I hope the General Assembly will support our common-sense proposal to proactively plan for the years ahead.”

Allocation of FY 2011 Surplus
Revenue Stabilization Fund: $132.7 million
‘Federal Action Contingency Trust’ Fund (FACT Fund): $30 million
Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund: $50.3 million
Accelerated Sales Tax to Transportation Trust Fund: $26 million
Natural Disaster Reserve: $17.3 million
Capital Renovation (Treasury Loan Repayment): $13.1 million
Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund Interest: $8.9 million
Federal Portion of Electric Rate Refund: $1.4 million
Miscellaneous Transactions: $2.9 million
Transportation Trust Fund: $67.2 million
BRAC Commitments: $7.5 million
Sheriff Departments: $7.4 million
VRS Payment and other: $18.7 million
Planned Revisions in Budget: $13.4 million
Reappropriated Non-General Fund/Higher Education Balances: $63.6 million
Reappropriated General Fund Operation Balances: $84.4 million

Republican Governors Association taps Va. Governor Bob McDonnell as chair

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell has been named the new chairman of the Republican Governors Association following the decision by Texas Governor Rick Perry to enter the presidential race. McDonnell had been serving as vice chairman.

Virginia's Governor had been expected to step into the top spot next year. Perry's plans simply accelerated that move, landing McDonnell on the national stage where his star continues to rise on the national Republican political scene.

Concerning the RGA position, the Governor commented:

“It is a tremendous honor to lead the RGA. Thanks to the strong leadership of Governor Perry and the nation’s twenty-nine Republican governors, the RGA is in position to have an unprecedented impact this election cycle.

“I look forward to working with my fellow Republican governors to expand our majority and ensure the RGA remains the most effective political committee in the nation. Republican governors are leading the way in helping the private sector create new jobs, reforming government and getting our economy back on track.”

Already mentioned as a vice presidential candidate, McDonnell won the gubernatorial election in a landslide in 2009, helping to win the Top Three spots in Virginia for Lt. Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney Gen. Ken Cuccinelli. He remains a popular governor, regularly polling around 60% approval rating, and as a fundraiser throughout the Commonwealth as well as a sought-after speaker on the television news shows.

McDonnell made jobs his number one priority while campaigning for governor, recognizing the downturn in the economy, and he followed through with that promise once in office, making sure companies know that Virginia is open for business.

The spotlight will now intensify on our Governor as his star continues to rise....

Cross-posted at Bearing Drift

Virginia posts $311 million revenue surplus for fiscal year 2011

RICHMOND – For the second straight year, the Commonwealth of Virginia has reached the end of the fiscal calendar in the black. Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the state concluded Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 with an approximately $311 million surplus from general fund revenue collections and transfers. Total revenue collections rose by 5.8% in FY 2011, well ahead of the revised revenue forecast 3.5% growth. The main drivers of the revenue increase were growth in individual income tax receipts from both payroll withholding and non-withholding, key economic indicators.  A comprehensive breakdown of the FY 2011 revenue surplus is attached to this press release.

The final FY 2011 surplus number will be adjusted upward in the month ahead after the addition of final tabulations of savings recognized through greater operational efficiencies and incentives to control spending throughout state government. In FY 2010 the revenue surplus for the year was $228 million. The final FY 2010 surplus, including savings, was $403 million. The final surplus figure for FY 2011 will be released in August. The governor made today’s announcement at an afternoon press conference at the Patrick Henry Building on Capitol Square in Richmond. He was joined by Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Secretary of Finance Ric Brown. It’s the second fiscal year in a row that Virginia has concluded the fiscal year with a revenue surplus. This is also the first year since 2008 that there has been actual revenue growth over the previous year.

 

“The great challenge of our time is getting our economy back on track, putting our people back to work, and getting our fiscal houses in order at the local, state and federal levels,” Governor McDonnell said. “For too long, elected officials from both parties have overpromised and overspent, and the result is the fiscal crisis we see unfolding in Washington D.C. Here in Richmond, we are committed to implementing a culture of fiscal responsibility and restraint in our state government. Working together, Republicans and Democrats have made some very tough choices. We have reduced spending, not raised taxes and focused government on its core functions. As a result, we have seen back-to-back years of revenue surpluses. The Commonwealth, like our families and businesses, is living within its means.”

 

The governor continued, “Many factors have led to this surplus. We have budgeted conservatively and we have kept taxes low. Additionally, our targeted investments in job-creating programs in the areas of economic development, transportation and higher education, along with our strong Right to Work law, pro-business environment, and commitment to keeping litigation and regulation to a minimum, have continued to make Virginia more and more attractive to job-creating businesses. Our unemployment rate has now fallen to 6 percent, the third-lowest rate east of the Mississippi, and more Virginians are working again. As Virginians work and spend, it translates into increases in incoming revenues to the Commonwealth. State government must continue to do its part to control spending and look for new opportunities to innovate, restructure and save taxpayer dollars. We still have much work to do before we are completely out of this tough economic period, and unfortunately federal issues continue to threaten the positive advances we are making in the states. It is great to see revenue growth return to the Commonwealth after 2 years of declining general fund revenue collections. Clearly the bipartisan effort in Richmond to rein in spending and rev up the private sector is producing positive results. Despite the positive news, no one should believe Virginia’s fiscal challenges are over. Virginia faces massive unfunded federal mandates of over $10 billion in environmental, health care and mental health requirements and significant unfunded state liabilities in the unemployment insurance system and state retirement system.

 

Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling added, “Needless to say, we are delighted to have closed the most current fiscal year with a $311 million revenue surplus.  This surplus, in addition to last year’s budget surplus, means that we have enjoyed total budget surpluses of more than $700 million during the first two years of our Administration.  This is a very positive result, which is much better than most states in the nation.  It is a significant improvement over where we were when we took office.  While we can be pleased with the success we have enjoyed in getting the Commonwealth’s financial house back in order, we will continue to face significant budget pressures in the years to come, most significantly the uncertain economic environment on a national basis.  Therefore, we must continue to be frugal with how we spend the taxpayer’s money, and we must direct those resources we have to the state’s highest priorities and to addressing some of the structural challenges we face in other areas, such as VRS.  If we continue to exercise fiscal discipline and focus on creating jobs and growing our economy, I am hopeful that we will continue to experience positive economic news such as this in the future.”

 

At today’s press conference, Secretary of Finance Ric Brown detailed the sources of the surplus funds and where they will be directed.  The overwhelming majority of the revenue is obligated to predetermined areas of the state budget due to the Virginia Constitution and state law which governs revenue allocation in the event of a surplus. Governor McDonnell will also direct funds to shoring up the Virginia Retirement System as part of his ongoing effort to reform and improve Virginia’s pension system to ensure its long-term viability.

 

Disbursement of FY 2011 Revenue Surplus (All numbers are approximate and subject to revisions):

 

$146.6 million: Revenue Stabilization Fund Deposit from FY2011 Surplus (Subject to Final Audit)

$32.2 million: Water Quality Fund

$23.0 million: Pay Transportation for its Share of the Accelerated Sales Tax

$8.9 million: Interest on Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund Due to Federal Government

$4.3 million: Tornado Relief

$7.5 million: For Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Obligations

$7.4 million: Supplemental Public Safety Funding for Sheriff’s Offices

From Remaining Funds:  Additional Contributions to the Virginia Retirement System to Help Ensure Long-Term Viability and Stability of the System and to Transportation Infrastructure

Republican McDonnell thanks Democrats Web & Warner for off-shore oil legislation

Will off-shore drilling ever come to Virginia? It may be a step closer after last week's news from Senators Jim Webb and Mark Warner. Jim Hoeft at Bearing Drift wrote:

... both senators have co-sponsored legislation that will begin the process of lease sales off the coast of Virginia and ensure a 50-50 revenue split between the state and federal government.

“Our economy and national security will be strengthened by an ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy, including the expanded production of our own domestic energy resources. We should not be sending hundreds of billions of dollars each year to oil-producing countries that do not like us, ” Senator Warner said. “This legislation jump starts a multi-year process that will include responsible environmental reviews, close consultations with NASA and our military partners in Hampton Roads, and this process will include multiple public hearings. Senator Webb and I firmly believe that Virginians should benefit from any energy resources that are developed off of our coast, and our legislation specifically requires the federal government to make reasonable royalty payments to the Commonwealth.”

Recognizing and appreciative for the Democratic senators' stand, Republican Governor Bob McDonnell thanked them:

“We need more safe and reliable sources of domestic energy. We need more jobs. Utilizing our offshore oil and natural gas resources accomplishes both of these goals,” said McDonnell. “I urge the United States Congress to take up this legislation immediately, and pass it swiftly. It is time we got serious about American energy security. This legislation does that. I thank the Senators for their efforts, and look forward to working with them to get this legislation passed and offshore oil and natural gas production underway in Virginia.”

Sometimes working for what is best for the residents of Virginia goes beyond my-way-or-the-highway party politics and requires statesmanship and leadership.

"Bob's 4 Jobs" ... McDonnell announces 140 new jobs in Chesterfield

Campaign promise kept over and over and over ... press release from Governor Bob McDonnell's office....

~Networking Technologies and Support Inc. to expand headquarters operation~

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Networking Technologies and Support Inc. (NTS) will invest $1.5 million to expand its headquarters operation in Chesterfield County. The project will create 140 new jobs over the next three years.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “What began as a two-person IT company in Chesterfield County in 1997 has grown to a national business that serves 15 states. I am thrilled that NTS has maintained its Virginia roots, and with this project will expand its headquarters operations still located in Chesterfield. The addition of 140 new jobs will bring the company’s employee total to nearly 300 people. I look forward to NTS’ continued growth and success.”

“To grow from two employees to a successful company of 280 speaks volumes about NTS’ capability,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company has built a solid customer base serving the IT needs of health centers in the mid-Atlantic, and with this expansion will increase client capacity.”

NTS is a full service systems integrator providing customers with a single source for a broad range of high-technology products and services. The company has a national service delivery capability and is currently servicing 22 major metropolitan locations in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

"Family and quality of life are of utmost importance to our NTS employees", states Bernard Robinson, President and CEO of NTS. "Add to that an extensive labor pool of skilled technology individuals and an excellent economic climate, the logical choice for our headquarters and expansion is Chesterfield County, Virginia.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment, training and retraining activities. The company also qualifies for a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit.

“The growth of our existing business is the heartbeat of economic development. We are so pleased to see Networking Technologies and Support expand in Chesterfield County and create 140 new jobs,” said Dan Gecker, Board of Supervisors, Midlothian District.

News from Governor Bob McDonnell

News from Governor Bob McDonnell

• ALEC Report: Virginia's Economic Outlook Improves
  – ALEC "Best States, Worst States" Ranks Virginia's Economic Outlook Third Best in Country, Virginia's Highest-Ever Ranking –
  Click here to read more.
   
• Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security Terrie L. Suit Announces Governor's Plans to Make Virginia the Most Veteran-Friendly State in the Nation; Discusses On-Going Homeland Security Efforts
  Click here to read more.
   
• Governor McDonnell Signs Tax Credit Legislation to Spur Economic Growth and Job Creation Related to Port of Virginia
  Click here to read more.
   
• Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on General Assembly Redistricting Plans Receiving Department of Justice Preclearance
  Click here to read more.

From Republican Party of Virginia

Leaders lead ... anonymous blog trolls cower

My blogging colleague Jim Hoeft at Bearing Drift posted about the fact that George Allen, one of Virginia's U.S. Senate candidates, now has not one, not two, but three trackers, courtesy of the Democrats and like-minded groups.

Three video cameras, mind you, to try and catch him in any trip-up or slip-of-the-tongue during the numerous campaign stops, talks, speeches, meet-and-greets, and endorsements he is engaged in for the campaign. Election day for him is still a year-and-a-half away.

In the comments section is the usual array of naysayers. Any leader worth his salt has them, and walking through the mine field makes him a stronger and better candidate.

Vitriolic responses have become common in this day and age of anonymous commenters, those faceless individuals who lurk in the blogosphere as trolls for their chosen targets. Though the blogosphere has changed and in some ways grown up in the past 10 years, some didn't grow up with it.

George Allen, George W. Bush, Bob McDonnell ... they are all targets for the darts and arrows along with the slanderous lies and rumors. Wouldn't it be nice if those anonymous commenters came out from the shadows and faced their targets head-on?

Would they?

I'm betting no because their game is a coward's game and a reminder of this Theodore Roosevelt saying:

"The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood ... who if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Cowards don't put their necks on the line because they are afraid of failure. Meanwhile, leaders continue on. If George Allen had not stepped back into the arena, he could have safely remained on the sidelines ...

... but that's not the way of a leader.

Gov. McDonnell announces 60 new jobs in Chesterfield County

From Governor Bob McDonnell's office....

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Emerson Ecologics, LLC, the leading provider of professional-grade nutritional supplements to the healthcare practitioner market, will invest up to $1 million to open a distribution facility in Chesterfield County. The project will immediately create 35 new jobs, growing to a total of 60 jobs over the next three years.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This project marks Emerson Ecologics’ first operation in Virginia. Chesterfield County offers an available facility that meets the company’s needs, as well as a strategic location that allows access to their customer base within a two-day delivery cycle. I am confident that Emerson Ecologics will find success in the Commonwealth.”

“We welcome Emerson Ecologics as a corporate partner that is new to both Chesterfield County and to Virginia,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The company’s goal is providing solutions for optimal patient health, and its newest location will help quickly reach customers in the mid-Atlantic region.”

Emerson Ecologics is the leading provider of products and services to the professional integrative healthcare community, distributing over 20,000 products from hundreds of industry leading manufacturers.

“The Richmond area was selected for our new Eastern distribution center based on many factors, including the ability to reach a majority of our East and Midwest doctors via small parcel ground shipping in two days. We take pride in our two-day delivery commitment and strive to achieve this as efficiently and reliably as possible,” said Andy Greenawalt, CEO of Emerson Ecologics. “As we investigated the region, we were impressed by the business-friendly climate, as well as the access to well designed, climate-controlled facilities that met our needs. Our new facility will result in a 50% increase in our overall distribution capacity, which is critical in supporting our future growth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA) will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

"We're delighted that Emerson Ecologics has chosen Chesterfield County as the site of their new distribution facility, and pleased that the venture will create exciting new employment opportunities for residents from throughout the region," said Chesterfield County Administrator James J. L. Stegmaier.

To learn more about Emerson Ecologics or their employment opportunities, visit www.emersonecologics.com or contact the Virginia Employment Commission.

Virginia posts 17.9% revenue growth in May

From Governor Bob McDonnell's office:

Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that May revenue collections increased by 17.9 percent over the prior year. This is the fourteenth month out of the last 15 in which state revenue collections exceeded the previous year’s amount. It is the sixth out of the last seven in which year-over-year revenue growth was greater than 9 percent.

The revenue increase was primarily driven by a 49 percent increase in nonwithholding receipts (individual final payments based on 2010 tax liabilities). On the other hand, growth in two large sources, payroll withholding and sales tax, slowed.  On a year-to-date basis, total revenue collections have risen 5.8 percent, slightly ahead of the revised annual forecast of 3.5 percent growth. Adjusted for the accelerated sales tax program, state revenues have grown 7.3 percent, ahead of the forecast of 5.5 percent.

Speaking about the latest revenue report, Governor McDonnell noted, “The growth in state revenue is a positive sign that Virginia’s economy continues to improve.  However, while 17.9 percent revenue growth is great news, it does not mean we have fully turned the corner from the deep and long-lasting recession that has impacted every Virginian.  Like some national economic indicators, our payroll withholding and sales tax collections slowed last month. This means there is still much work to be done before we find ourselves with the full and robust economic recovery our Commonwealth and nation needs.”

The governor continued, “Even though our revenue collections continue to increase month after month, too many Virginians are still out of a job. That is unacceptable. We must work to ensure that every Virginian can find a good-paying job to support their families and afford the goods and services they need to live a healthy, happy life.  While more Virginians are back to work, families and businesses still face high gas prices and increasing commodity prices, forcing them to tighten their belts.  Just as families are doing, our administration will continue to reign in government spending, better utilize hard-earned taxpayer money, and exercise fiscal responsibility in managing the state.  At the same time, we remain committed to putting in place aggressive policies that encourage economic growth, help bring private sector jobs to every region of this state, and get our economy turned around for good.”

The May revenue numbers are available at this link: http://www.finance.virginia.gov/KeyDocuments/RevenueReports/FY2010-2011/May2011RevenueLetter.pdf

Gov. McDonnell: Flag Day and Army's anniversary

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today in recognition of June 14 as Flag Day, and as the 236th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. The governor has also issued a proclamation for the U.S. Army anniversary, which can be found at http://governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/2011/236thBirthday.cfm.

“When the Second Continental Congress adopted the stars and stripes banner designed by Betsy Ross as our young nation’s flag in 1777, it provided an enduring symbol representing the ideals upon which our nation was born. While our founding fathers dreamed of a country built on liberty, personal freedom, and opportunity for all of its citizens, surely even they could not envision the world leader and bastion of hope that the United States flag has evolved to represent today.

“President Woodrow Wilson first formally established a day to recognize the adoption of our nation’s flag in 1916 when soldiers from around the globe were battling tyranny in a conflict that would become known as World War I. Today, our flag flies above soldiers in Afghanistan, Iraq, and throughout the world who are fighting to protect those same freedoms from agents of tyranny, oppression and evil.

“June 14 is also the 236th anniversary of when Congress adopted ‘the American continental army,’ America’s first standing military organization. As our soldiers celebrate the Army’s birthday on bases at home and abroad and as Americans fly their U.S. flags around the globe in recognition of their patriotism, let us pause and reflect on the ideals our flag represents, and thank those past and present who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms for which it stands.”

News from Gov. Bob McDonnell

News from Governor Bob McDonnell

• Governor Authorizes State Contribution to Virginia Disaster Relief Fund
  Individuals Can Now Also Donate by Credit Card
  Governor Bob McDonnell yesterday announced that $600,000 in anticipated state agency savings will go toward helping Virginians who were affected by severe weather and tornadoes that struck the Commonwealth in April.
  Click here to read more.
  
  
• Governor McDonnell Urges Citizens to Get Ready for Hurricane Season
  ~Governor Recognizes May 22-28 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week~
  Virginia’s families should take action now in order to get ready for hurricane season, which begins June 1 and can be accompanied by significant flooding.  To emphasize the importance of emergency preparation, Governor Bob McDonnell has recognized May 22-28 as Hurricane and Flooding Preparedness Week. 
  Click here to read more.
   
• Governor McDonnell Ceremonially Presents $5 Million in State Funds to VCU Massey Cancer Center to Support Cancer Research Expansion
  Funding Provided Through Governor’s Successful FY’12 Budget Amendment
  Click here to read more.
   
• Commonwealth Transportation Bond Sale Nets $47.7 Million Premium
  Market supports Governor’s plan to advance funding for transportation
  The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has closed the sale of the $600 million of Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Capital Projects Revenue Bonds sold on May 11 to advance transportation projects managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
  Click here to read more.